I will not go down under the ground
'Cause somebody tells me that death's coming 'round
And I will not carry myself down to die
When I go to my grave, my head will be high
Let me die in my footsteps, before I go down under the ground
There's been rumors of war and wars that have been
The meaning of life has been lost in the wind
And some people thinkin' that the end is close by
'Stead of learning to live, they are learning to die
Let me die in my footsteps, before I go down under the ground
I don't know if I'm smart, but I think I can see
When someone is pulling the wool over me
And if this war comes and death's all around
Let me die on this land 'fore I die underground
Let me die in my footsteps, before I go down under the ground
There's always been people that have to cause fear
They've been talkin' about a war now for many long years
I've read all their statements and I've not said a word
But now, Lord God, let my poor voice be heard
Let me die in my footsteps, before I go down under the ground
Let me drink from the waters where the mountain streams flood
Let the smell of wild flowers flow free through my blood
Let me sleep in your meadows with the green grassy leaves
Let me walk down the highway with my brother in peace
Let me die in my footsteps, before I go down under the ground
See the craters and the canyons and where the waterfalls run
Nevada, New Mexico, Arizona, Idaho
Let every state in this union see deep down in its soul
And you'll die in your footsteps, before you go down under the ground